The emerald green aura surrounding Ashlynn faded away while a brilliant, jade-green light began to spill from cracks forming in Ollie's bark-like skin. At first, the cracks were small, but they quickly spread across his entire body until he glowed with the light of a dozen lamps, shining brilliantly in the night.
"Lady Ashlynn," he said as his eyes fluttered open to find his head resting on her thighs while she looked down at him with puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "I've made you worry," he said weakly. "I'm sorry I was so… stubborn."
"It's fine," Ashlynn said as she lifted him up into her arms, giving him a fierce hug that was quickly joined by Heila from the other side. "You're back now and everyone's here to welcome you home."
"Welcome home, Ollie," Heila said as she waved for Virve to join them in giving the young man a crushing hug from his coven-family.
